Chesterfield Construction Fraud Victims Sought

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC)—The
Chesterfield County Police Department is seeking additional victims of a man
believed to be involved in at least two cases of construction fraud.

Police obtained warrants for
27-year-old Jimmy A.S. Lane, of Pennsylvania, for construction fraud and fraudulent
use of a birth certificate or driver's license on Dec. 31, 2013. In October
2013, Lane agreed to repair the driveways of at least two Chesterfield County
residents. Each gave him initial payments of several hundred dollars, but he
failed to complete the work promised for either victim.

Lane presented himself to these
victims as Everett Burgess using a stolen ID, and is believed to have more
victims in the area.

“He actually had stolen someone else's
identity and was actually presenting that identification as his own,” said
Sergeant Kevin Carroll of the Chesterfield County Police Department.

Scams like this are not uncommon. If
you are unsure about a contractor who approaches you, ask for a written
contract, get references or conduct your own online research before giving any
money. Also, avoid giving cash; use a check or money order, so that the
transaction can be traced.

“Unfortunately, it is [common],”
Carroll said. “And unfortunately, usually the elderly community is the persons that
are being victimized or preyed upon.”

Chesterfield Police urge anyone who
has been one of Lane's victims, or has information regarding his whereabouts is
asked to call them immediately at 804-748-1251.